Sep 18, 2025
The thought of flying may feel nerve-wracking for some people. Adding incontinence to the mix? Extra stressful, and maybe enough to put a hold on your plans.
The good news is that you don’t need to hold off! Traveling with incontinence is absolutely possible. Let's explore ways to help you feel confident and comfortable on your next trip.
Understanding Incontinence and Air Travel
Why Flying Can Make Incontinence More Challenging
There are some factors that can make traveling challenging, but not impossible. They include:
Limited bathroom access
Public bathrooms are not the most comfortable places in the world. It's natural to want to hold pee in, but this can worsen your urge to pee, leading to leaks.1
Cabin pressure
Cabin pressure can affect your hydration levels and circulation.1 On top of that, if you're not drinking enough water to avoid going to the bathroom while on a plane, you may become dehydrated, which can cause constipation. And on the other hand, holding your pee for too long may make incontinence worse.1,2
Prolonged sitting
Trips often involve sitting for long hours, which puts pressure on your pelvic floor and tailbone.1 This buildup can cause pelvic pain and increase urgency, leading to leaks.1
Anxiety
It’s easy to feel anxious about traveling, and even more so about leaks happening. Yet, constant worrying can actually make your incontinence symptoms worse.3 While it’s not always possible, try to stay calm during transit to help ease your worries.
Types of incontinence and common triggers during travel
When you travel, certain activities can put you at risk for incontinence depending on the type you have.
Stress incontinence
This occurs due to a weak pelvic floor.2 When your pelvic floor is weak, added pressure, like lifting your bags, can lead to leaks.2,4
Urge incontinence
This happens when you have a sudden, intense urge to pee that’s hard to control.2 This can also happen if you hold in your pee for too long during long flights.1 If you can't get to a bathroom quickly during travel, it may lead to leaks.1
Our advice? When you see a bathroom, go, even if you don’t feel like peeing right at that moment.
Overflow incontinence
When you use the bathroom and your bladder doesn't fully empty, it can lead to leaks later.2 Always make sure you empty your bladder completely when you pee to avoid leakage later.
Mixed incontinence
Mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge incontinence.2 Travelling can trigger both, whether you’re lifting heavy bags or stuck waiting in a bathroom line with a full bladder.1,4
Planning Ahead: What to Do Before Your Flight
Book Strategically
When booking your trip, consider your bladder needs. The best seat for incontinence on the plane is the one closer to the bathroom. You’ll have quicker access, and it helps reduce your waiting time when you need it. And when possible, choose direct or shorter flights to prevent prolonged sitting times.
You could also contact the airline in advance to ask if they offer any discreet arrangements for passengers with incontinence to help make your flight more comfortable.
Choose the Right Time to Fly
Morning flights are often smoother, with less turbulence, fewer delays, and cleaner restrooms. These small advantages can help you feel calmer, reduce the urge to hold your pee, and sit for shorter periods.
Talk to Your Doctor
Before traveling, consider speaking to your doctor about your current medications. They may be able to adjust any that increase your risk of leaks, or recommend ones that can help during your trip.5,6
They could also recommend tips like bladder training,5 pelvic floor exercises,5 or ways to ease your anxiety during your trip.
Pack an Incontinence Travel Kit
While you can’t plan for everything, you can prepare for most situations, especially when traveling with incontinence.
A discreet, well-packed bag of essentials in your hand luggage can help you feel more confident and in control throughout your trip.
Here are some essentials to include:
- Absorbent products
- Barrier creams
- Talc-free powder
- Adult wipes
- Gloves (if needed)
- Sanitizing gel
- Discreet disposal bags for used products
- Odor-neutralizing spray
- Extra underwear and outfits in a sealable bag for quick changes
You can also pack bed pads to protect surfaces like hotel beds or seats for long journeys.
Stock up before you fly. TENA has a range of products with different absorbency levels, fits, and styles for your needs. Shop men’s and women’s products.
Dressing for Comfort and Confidence
Wear Protective Products that Suit your Needs
When choosing incontinence products for travel, prioritize features like:7
- High absorbency
- Discreetness
- The right size and fit
- Breathable materials
These features help you stay dry, confident, and comfortable throughout your journey.7
One great option is protective underwear. It offers:7
- A close, natural fit.
- High absorbency for extended wear.
- Discreet design; many look and feel just like regular underwear.
Opt for Dark, Loose-Fitting Clothing
Dark colors and loose-fitting clothing can help you feel confident throughout your trip, whether you're sitting or on the move. These outfits help with discretion by making leaks less visible and the use of incontinence pads less noticeable.
Use Layers for Warmth and Easy Outfit Changes
When packing for warmth, choose layers like cardigans, wraps, or tunics that are easy to slip on and off. These options not only keep you cozy but also make quick outfit changes less stressful if you need to freshen up during your trip.
Managing Incontinence During the Flight
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
During your flight, it's best to stick to water. Caffeine and alcohol may be tempting (especially caffeine for an early flight), but these drinks could make leaks more likely. Here's how:
The caffeine in coffee or energy drinks has a diuretic effect that makes you pee more.
Alcohol not only has a diuretic effect but can also irritate the bladder lining, increasing the urge to pee.
Learn more about the best and worst drinks for overactive bladder to avoid on your trip.
Time Your Bathroom Visits
During air travel with incontinence, it helps to follow a simple bathroom schedule. You can plan to pee at key points during your flight, like:
- boarding the plane.
- When the seat belt signs are off.
- After the flight attendants serve the meals.
- Before the plane lands.
Let Cabin Crew Know Discreetly if Needed
If you feel a sudden urge to pee and are struggling with your seatbelt or there's a long line for the restroom, it’s perfectly okay to let a flight attendant know.
They may be able to assist with your seatbelt or help you get quicker access to a bathroom when possible.
Coping with Delays and Layovers
Carry Extra Supplies in Your Hand Luggage
While packing, it's best to keep your incontinence travel kit nearby and accessible, such as in your carry-on bag. This way, if you need to freshen up or make a quick change, everything you need is close by and easy to reach.
Know the Airport Toilet Locations in Advance
When dealing with delays or layovers, one helpful tip is to use airport apps or terminal maps to find restrooms ahead of time. Knowing where they are can ease anxiety and help you avoid leaks if you need to go quickly.
Emotional Wellbeing and Confidence
Remember You are not Alone
Incontinence can bring up feelings of frustration and embarrassment, but you're far from being alone. There are 25 million Americans living with incontinence, and chances are, someone else on your flight is managing it too.6
Practice Calming Techniques if You're Anxious
If you feel anxious at any point during the flight, here are a few ways to stay calm.
- Use positive affirmations9 like "I am prepared for anything on this trip.”
- Bring and use distractions like audiobooks, paperbacks, or puzzles like crosswords or sudoku.10
- Listen to calming music or nature sounds to calm your nerves.
Focus on Your Destination, Not Your Worry
Instead of focusing only on avoiding leaks, try shifting your perspective to why you're making the trip. Thinking about that special reunion, holiday, or event can help you feel more motivated, at ease, and excited to reach your destination.
Find Tips for a Stress-Free Journey
Use Apps to Track Toilets
There are apps available that can ease the stress of finding a restroom after landing or during layovers. These apps have ratings and directions to help you make the best pick when it’s time to freshen up.
Stay Positive and Be Prepared
Adequate planning can make flying with bladder leaks feel less challenging. When you're prepared, trips feel like any other day, leaving you calm, confident, and comfortable throughout.
References
1. Tavel R. Travel and Pelvic Health: What You Need to Know (and Pack) [Internet]. Theoriginway.com. The Origin Way; 2025 [cited 2025 Jul 8]. Available from: https://www.theoriginway.com/blog/travel-constipation-incontinence
2. WebMD Editorial Contributor. Types of Urinary Incontinence [Internet]. WebMD. 2024. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/types-of-urinary-incontinence
3. Lai HH, Rawal A, Shen B, Vetter J. The Relationship Between Anxiety and Overactive Bladder or Urinary Incontinence Symptoms in the Clinical Population. Urology. 2016 Dec; 98:50–7.
4. Eureka Health [Internet]. Eureka Health. 2024 [cited 2025 Jul 8]. Available from: https://www.eurekahealth.com.au/learn/leaking-when-you-run-and-lift
5. Kam K. Traveling with Overactive Bladder [Internet]. WebMD. 2011 [cited 2025 Jul 8]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/features/traveling-with-oab
6. Jenkins S. Tips for Managing Bladder Leaks When Traveling - National Association for Continence [Internet]. National Association for Continence. 2016 [cited 2025 Jul 8]. Available from: https://nafc.org/bhealth-blog/tips-for-managing-bladder-leaks-when-traveling/#
7. DeMarinis M, Kaschak TR, Newman DK. Absorbent Products for Incontinence. Clinical Application of Urologic Catheters, Devices and Products. 2017 Dec 10;149–72.
8. Rachel Reiff Ellis. Overactive Bladder: Foods and Drinks That Can Make It Worse [Internet]. WebMD. 2025 [cited 2025 Jul 9]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/ss/slideshow-oab-food-drink-avoid
9. Thomas F. How to Calm Anxiety: 12 Ways to Calm Anxiety Naturally [Internet]. Healthline. 2023. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-calm-anxiety
10. Marie S. 10 Effective Ways to Reduce Anxiety Quickly [Internet]. Psych Central. 2016 [cited 2025 Jul 9]. Available from: https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/how-to-reduce-anxiety-quickly#identifying-triggers
